SLBC began with a simple idea: bring passionate Jewish leaders together, give them extraordinary teachers, practical skills, meaningful relationships, and the opportunity to learn by doing.

What began with just 35 people in a classroom in St. Louis in 2010 has grown into an international Jewish leadership community gathering of nearly 600 participants each year and an alumni community of over 6,000 people. Our SLBC Chosen Family consists of professionals and lay leaders in synagogues, camps, day schools, Hillel, JCC, youth movements, and other organizations looking to make a difference in Jewish life.

A Brandeis/Cohen Center Impact Study found that the multiplier effect of SLBC has impacted more than 450,000 people in Jewish communities everywhere.

But the most important story isn’t how much SLBC has grown. It’s how much it has broadened and deepened.

35 people. One classroom. A bold experiment to strengthen Jewish leadership through music, experiential learning, practicing leadership, and creating community.

Educators, clergy, camp professionals, artists, lay leaders, teens, young adults, and Jewish professionals began coming from communities across North America.

Educators, clergy, camp professionals, artists, lay leaders, teens, young adults, and Jewish professionals began coming from communities across North America.

Educators, clergy, camp professionals, artists, lay leaders, teens, young adults, and Jewish professionals began coming from communities across North America.